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Harnessing Wind Energy Through Aerodynamic Design and Reinforced Concrete Construction

Authors:
Ismail Rifaat, Raghad Al gaood
Harnessing Wind Energy Through Aerodynamic Design and Reinforced Concrete Construction

Project in-detail

Utilizing an aerodynamic form and integrated wind turbines, the high-rise structure generates its own energy while providing a mixed-use environment that includes retail, office, and community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wind turbines integrated into the structure for energy generation.
02
Features an aerodynamic tapering form to minimize wind resistance.
03
Includes a green roof that promotes biodiversity and user well-being.
04
Incorporates local materials to reduce environmental impact.
05
Design optimizes natural ventilation and daylighting throughout the building.

### Overview
The SkyHive Skyscraper is conceived as a contemporary high-rise project with a focus on functionality and sustainability. Designed for urban environments, particularly those characterized by high wind conditions, the project aims to integrate innovative engineering solutions that harness wind energy to meet the building's operational needs while minimizing environmental impact.

### Wind Energy Optimization
The design incorporates a strategic orientation that capitalizes on prevailing winds, integrating turbines on the façade and at the summit to generate electricity. This approach not only addresses energy efficiency but also enhances the building's stability through aerodynamic profiling. The tapering form of the structure is specifically designed to reduce wind resistance, with inverted architectural elements that enable effective airflow manipulation.

### Material Selection
The construction employs reinforced concrete for its structural integrity and seismic resilience, complemented by concrete aggregates for durability and environmental compatibility. Emphasis is placed on sourcing exterior finishes from local materials, aligning with the project's sustainability goals and reducing the overall carbon footprint. This thoughtful approach to materiality underscores a commitment to both performance and ecological responsibility.

### Functional Spatial Distribution
Internally, the skyscraper is organized to support diverse functions across its vertical levels. The ground floor features retail access and a communal atrium, fostering a sense of community. Mezzanine levels are designated for social and retail activities, while dedicated office spaces provide efficient work environments. The design also includes a roof garden, promoting recreation and biodiversity while enhancing user well-being. The integration of tuned oscillation dampers serves to mitigate noise from wind, ensuring a conducive indoor environment and contributing to the overall structural dynamics.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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